donkey birth

Question
Jenny just gave birth this morning. She is kicking foul and will not let it suckle. She is melowing out her agressive behavior somewhat but will not let foul suckle still hours later. Should we keep baby with mother?

Answer
Lisa,

I certainly hope you have contacted someone in your area to help you since sending this question.!!!

I have been traveling and just saw the question.

The foal needs to nurse within a few hours of its birth and if it does not get the first milk from the mare (it contains antibodies in it) then you need to contact a vet immediately.!!!!!


Maybe you have found someone in your area who has a nurse mare so you can give the foal
her milk.If not, there are substitutes available. If the mare stays aggressive you have to separate them as she could hurt her baby.

PLEASE let me know how this turned out and how everyone is! I hope that she either accepted her baby or you have been feeding it a milk replacer.

Mitzi